Energy Drink Drinkers Concerned About Safety, Drink Them Anyway

You know when something’s probably bad for you, but you do it anyway? Energy shot and drink consumers certainly fall into that category now, according to one new bit of research, anyway. Nearly six in 10 Americans who currently consume energy drinks or shots say they worry about the safety of the drinks, according to research by Mintel, a market research firm that has a focus on the food and drink industry. So take that how you will.

And in September, a family sued Red Bull, blaming the drink for the death of a Brooklyn man.

But when asked why they consume the beverages, more than half the respondents to Mintel’s survey said they were more effective than other beverages. One-third of respondents said the drinks are convenient, while 31% just like the taste. Really? The taste? Okay, if you say so.

Anyway, although consumers might be wary of what they’re putting in their bodies, sales in the energy drink, shot and mix category have continued to grow since 2008.

“Energy drinks and shots faced significant scrutiny following lawsuits and proposed legislation that began in 2012. The media attention publicly challenged the safety and health effects of this pick-me-up category,” said Jenny Zegler, global food and drink analyst for Mintel Food & Drink, in a press release.

Of the consumers that do stray from the cult of energy drinks, 39% say they do so because the drinks aren’t good for their healthy, while 35% say they have heard negative information about health effects.

So on the one hand, some people think they’re unsafe, but plenty customers are chugging the stuff anyway. For you loyal or previously loyal energy drink drinkers out there, we want to know what you think: